Cost of Living: Santa Clarita, CA vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Santa Clarita is 97% more expensive than Aurora.

$2,486/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↓ 38%
$119,926/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↓ 25%
$721,000 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$260,400 ↓ 64%
$2,649/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↓ 40%
229,021
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $951/month cheaper in Aurora, saving renters about $11,412/year.

Median household income is $29,817/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Aurora — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Aurora?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $951/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Aurora?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $29,817/year higher in Santa Clarita.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Santa Clarita or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Santa Clarita details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Aurora

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove